Dean of the College of Communication

The University of Sharjah is an independent institution with more than 15,300 students and over 651 full-time faculty members. The University of Sharjah is considered one of the leading institutions of higher education in the Arab Gulf region and Middle East. It offers academic programs in a number of specializations, including arts, humanities and social sciences, the medical specialties, health sciences, engineering, applied sciences, business administration, communication, law, sharia and Islamic studies, and fine arts and design, and Computing And Informatics.

The University offers a prime location and state-of-the-art facilities where it is located in Sharjah University City, close to Sharjah City Center and the pristine coastal areas of Sharjah and the Emirates of Dubai and Ajman.

The University of Sharjah attracts outstanding students from the UAE, GCC countries and a number of other Arab and foreign countries.

The College of Communication, established at the University of Sharjah in 2002, now has an enrolment of approximately (1400) students, (1050) on the main campus in Sharjah and (350) at its branch locations in Khorfakkan and Kalba. The College is comprised of two academic departments: The Department of Mass Communication and Department of Public Relations. The Mass Communication Department includes three accredited programs (Journalism, Electronic Media, and Graphic Design and Multimedia) in addition to its Communication Program in English. The Public Relations Department offers one accredited academic program in Public Relations. The College also offers a master degree program in communication.

The College of Communication is distinguished for its high quality programs and outstanding faculty. The College witnessed important developments in its technical infrastructure through the establishment of computer and multimedia laboratories in addition to press publication laboratories and radio and television studios.

The University of Sharjah is currently seeking to appoint a candidate for the position of Dean of the College of Communication, who will provide leadership at a critical stage of the College's expansion of its research and academic programs. The new dean is expected to join the College at the beginning of the spring semester 2019/2020.

Candidates interested in the position are encouraged to apply early by sending their application as soon as possible.

For more information about the College, its departments, and the conditions for applying, please visit the University's website at: www.sharjah.ac.ae

Scope of Work

The Dean of College of Communication is the first person in charge of all academic aspects related to the College and reports directly to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. The Dean assumes a leadership role in the College and administers, directs, and coordinates all training, teaching, and research activities engaged in by the College. The Dean also provides guidance for implementing the College Strategic Plan and ensures that the College activities coincide with the mission and objectives of the University within the socio-cultural framework of the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Gulf region.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Dean is expected to:

• Create and sustain a strong network outside the College with the aim of facilitating the process of education and training and research activities.
• Establish strategic directives, aims and policies related to the educational process and research activities within the College, and all its departments and oversee the implementation of such.
• Represent the University in all matters related to the College at various conferences and symposia outside the University.
• Propose recommendations related to developing the annual budget for the College and implement and oversee these as well as conduct analysis of productivity and effectiveness on a regular basis.
• Create a network of experts and visiting professors to support the educational and research activities of the College and its sustainability.
• Propose recommendations related to developing University policies and procedures and participate in this process.
• Coordinate agreements with ministries and relevant bodies within the UAE and abroad.
• Possess knowledge of human resources and management concepts as well as higher education practices, policies, and procedures.
• Propose research projects relevant to the region and its development.
• Possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and diverse community.
• Possess experience in communicating and networking with relevant institutions with the aim of promoting education and research.
• Be an expert in matters dealing with external institutions and organizations as well as international accreditation bodies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate shall demonstrate work experience in professional and academic positions as well a rich record in teaching and outstanding academic efforts at the international level. The candidate will be required to demonstrate his/her effective and ongoing contributions in the fields of his/her specialization in terms of published research in recognized international scientific journals as well as participation in exhibitions, conferences and symposia in addition to possessing the following degrees, qualifications, and professional experience:

• A PhD from a recognized university.
• The rank of professor in one of the College's specializations.
• A record of excellence in teaching and research, appropriate to the rank of professor in one of the College's specializations.
• Bi-lingual proficiency in English and Arabic conversation and writing.
• Leadership qualities and proven research background in one of the College's specializations.
• A clear vision for developing higher education, in general, and for the College in particular.
• Full familiarity with the credit hour and academic year (semester) system.
• Distinguished managerial experience in the affairs of higher education, preferably at the level of a college dean in a reputable university.
• Experience with the standards of program accreditation by specialized commissions at national education institutions.
• Acumen in the area of human resources and administrative and financial concepts, practices, policies, and procedures.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with large sectors of a diverse community.
• Experience in communicating with universities, professional and academic institutions, associations, unions, companies and business administration institutions and other institutions within the field of education and research.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Priority will be given to applicants with the following qualifications

• Managerial experience and the skills necessary to launch pioneering projects.
• Multi-cultural skills.
• Active participation in reputable organizations.
• Knowledge of the methods of evaluation and related matters.
• Proven documentation of offering support for the achievements of teachers and students.
• Understanding of the latest teaching methods, including the use of technology in the teaching process.
• Demonstration of an interest in the humanities and a commitment to enriching the educational experience of students.

The University of Sharjah offers a competitive tax-free salary and an excellent benefits package. For more details on the position, please visit our website at: http//www.sharjah.ac.ae

The review of applications will begin on October 1, 2019 and continue until the position is filled with a preference for the selected candidate to begin work in Spring Semester 2019/2020. Candidates are urged to send their application by email as an attached document. Those who are shortlisted will be requested to send sealed envelopes containing their official university transcripts.